Saving gorillas with Ape Action Africa

Born Free is delighted to announce the fantastic Ape Action Africa as our new major partner in Cameroon.

Eto’o (front) and Nkamum, Mefou Primate Sanctuary © Ian Bickerstaff, Ape Action Africa

Ape Action Africa works on the frontlines of conservation, rescuing gorillas and other primates from the illegal bushmeat and pet trade. Like Born Free, their mission is to address the immediate threats facing gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates in Africa, and work with communities to develop long-term solutions to ensure their survival in the wild.

Ape Action Africa runs the renowned Mefou Primate Sanctuary. Set in 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of rainforest in southern Cameroon, the sanctuary takes in orphaned and injured gorillas, as well as chimpanzees and monkeys, some of whom are just days old and hours away from death. Once safely inside the sanctuary, the Ape Action Africa team works around the clock to provide all necessary veterinary treatment, nutritious food and expert care.

Ape Action Africa also works to identify areas that can be designated as protected habitat for rescued gorillas and chimpanzees. They hope that the apes and monkeys in their care will one day be released back into the wild where they belong.

Mefou Primate Sanctuary is located approximately 93 miles (150 km) from the Dja Biosphere Reserve, where Born Free’s Guardians of Dja program operates – working with local communities to help them coexist with rare great apes in the Congolese rainforest. Ape Action Africa offers an engaging educational program for local school children, who are encouraged to visit Mefou to see Cameroon’s wildlife in their natural habitat. Each year, students from Ecole Jean-Michel Vichard – a primary school supported by Born Free’s Guardians of Dja program – visit the sanctuary to learn about great ape conservation and gain positive experiences with nature. The perfect way to inspire the next generation of primate conservationists!

Ape Action Africa’s Mefou Primate Sanctuary is home to Born Free’s adopted Gorilla Family. Led by a powerful silverback named Bobo, the family consists of seven individuals: four males – Bobo, Kibu, Nkamum and Eto’o, and three females – Geri, Avishag and Jasmine. Adopt the Gorilla Family today to help Ape Action Africa and Born Free protect and care for great apes in Cameroon.

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